Protective and Risk Factors in Early and Middle Childhood (3-part series)

Session 1:

Protective and Risk Factors in Development

This session explores a range of protective and risk factors that influence early childhood development and lifelong wellbeing. Participants will discuss how these factors shape developmental pathways and outcomes across domains (such as language, behaviour, learning, emotional wellbeing and managing stress).

Participants will:

• Explore protective factors that promote positive developmental outcomes across multiple domains.
• Understand risk factors and how they increase vulnerability, particularly when multiple risks are present.
• Consider how varying levels of stress exposure (positive, tolerable, toxic) can impact development.
• Reflect on how educators can contribute to environments that strengthen protective factors and promote wellbeing, while recognising that children bring with them experiences shaped by wider influences beyond the educator’s control.
• Deepen the audience’s understanding of core messages shared in the families webinar, woven throughout the session:

                             - that children’s development is influenced by their genes and experiences;
                             - that what happens to children can help or get in the way of healthy development;
                             - that feeling loved and supported to manage stress is essential;
                             - that everyday interactions present opportunities to support children’s potential.

Session 2:

Early Experiences and Later Health Outcomes (Adversity Focus)

This session provides a deeper exploration of how adversity impacts early development, health, and wellbeing. Participants will examine impacts of adversity and the importance of recognising systemic influences.

Participants will:

• Understand how adversity can influence early development and lifelong wellbeing.
• Explore the potential impacts of adversity, the cumulative nature of adverse experiences, and individual variability in responses.
• Consider broader systemic and contextual influences, including poverty, inequity, and historical trauma.
• Develop an appreciation for the importance of supporting children and their families as early as possible, while recognising that positive change is possible at any point.

Session 3:

Strengthening Protective Factors – Reflection, Context, and Next Steps

This session provides an opportunity for participants to consolidate and build on their understanding of protective factors explored in earlier sessions. It invites collective reflection on what helps children thrive, what increases vulnerability, and how protective factors can be strengthened within and beyond early childhood settings. Participants will consider how protective factors support positive developmental pathways across cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains, and how these factors interact
with children’s experiences of risk, stress, and adversity. The session also provides space to reflect on protective factors through resilience-informed
and trauma-informed lenses, encouraging participants to think critically about what helps and what next in their role.

Participants will:

• Consolidate their understanding of protective factors and their role in supporting positive developmental pathways, drawing on learning from previous sessions.
• Reflect on protective factors through resilience-informed and trauma-informed lenses, considering their relevance to children’s experiences, contexts, and responses to adversity.
• Engage in collective reflection on how educators’ everyday interactions, environments, and awareness of broader systemic, structural, and historical influences can help strengthen protective factors and support inclusive, empowering practice.

Recommended Audience:  All educators and professionals working with children.